Associate in Medical Assisting
Medical assisting includes a number of front and back office duties in a medical setting. The Associate of medical assisting degree is usually offered at community and junior colleges, the Associate of medical assisting program is designed to introduce individuals to the basics of medicine and their practical application.
Program Coursework
The Associate of medical assisting teaches students the practical application of medical techniques. It incorporates basic anatomy, x-ray techniques, physical therapy, pharmacology, radiology, basic laboratory procedures and some minor surgical procedure. Also included in the program curriculum are basic principles of patient care, as well as administrative handling of medical infrastructure. Most of the coursework is actually practical training where students are expected to apply medical techniques.
Admission Criteria
You can qualify for possible admission into an Associate of medical assisting program if you have a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED). Most of the universities award a degree after completion of a certain number of credit hours of coursework and two months internship. During the internship students are expected to acquire practical experience of handling patients and managing extensive paperwork.
Careers in Medical Assisting
Medical assisting is a broad field where an Associate of medical assisting degree can improve your prospects of seeking employment in hospitals, private clinics, long-term care centers and educational institutions. Graduates can also find assistant-level jobs in private practice. The median annual income for medical assistants was $29,960 in May 2014, as according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.